If You Leave Me

CHAPTER 2: Racing Hearts

"Feels like you don't even know me. Just me and the stars can get lonely" DEAR PATIENCE - Niall Horan

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Lando's POV

My manager and assistant told me not to release a statement about my relationship with Sam. I would've just posted about it, but Sam agreed to it. She said it would be better for the both of us if we didn't tell her about it since I would be in another season with McLaren and, well, her as a Victoria's Secret Angel, just like what she dreamed every day.

While waiting for our first driver's press conference for the 2024 season, I was scrolling on Twitter and saw an article about Daniel and Samantha together last night at the New York Fashion Week. As I was lost in my thoughts, I looked at it and couldn't help but feel jealous when I saw Daniel's smiling face.

"What the hell is this?" I showed my phone to Alex Albon.

He glanced and said, "Oh, that's just an article about Daniel and Samantha leaving the fashion show together."

"Samantha? As in my ex-girlfriend Samantha?" I asked and frowned.

"Yeah, are you blind or something? I guess they're friends or something," Alex said, grinning at me.

"Friends? They look pretty cozy in those pictures," I scoffed, trying to hide my jealousy.

"I don't know, man. Maybe they're just catching up." he shrugged as I became skeptical. "I highly doubt that" I said lightly.

"Look, Lando. You two had a messy breakup, but it's been months. It would be best if you moved on." I know he's starting to get annoyed by the tone of his voice.

"I have moved on! I don't like her hanging out with my teammate." I said defensively.

Alex put a hand on my shoulder, looking at me, and said, "Listen, mate. You can't control who she's friends with. I know it was a misunderstanding between you two. I know you're too in love to cheat on her. Besides, it's good for her to be seen with Daniel. She's trying to make a name for herself in fashion."

I heavy sighed to that thought, "I guess you're right. It's just hard seeing her move on so quickly."

"Maybe you should focus on your love life. Who knows, maybe you'll find someone at the race this weekend," Alex said enthusiastically. I just rolled my eyes.

"Yeah, right. I don't have time for that." He laughed at what I just said. This man. Tsk tsk.

"Suit yourself. But don't let this distract you from the upcoming season. You have a chance to make a name for yourself in F1, and you can't let anything, or anyone, get in the way of that."

"You're right, as always." I nodded as the press conference began; my mind was still on the article I saw about Samantha. I tried to push it aside and focus on the questions from the media, but I couldn't shake the feeling of jealousy and hurt. I wonder if I'll ever truly move on from her.

After the driver's press conference, I decided to go and ask Daniel about it. I took a deep breath and confronted Daniel about the news I had just read.

"Hey, mate. Can I talk to you for a minute?" I asked, trying to sound casual.

"Sure, what's on your mind?" Daniel replied, taking a seat next to me on the couch.

I hesitated momentarily before blurting out, "I saw an article about you and Samantha leaving the New York Fashion Show together. Are you two together?"

Daniel's smile faltered momentarily before he answered, "No, we're not. We just ran into each other at the show and decided to catch up."

My brows furrowed in confusion. "But why would you want to catch up with her? I couldn't even go near her or talk to her. I wanted to explain, but she never listens, man."

Daniel let out a sigh and looked at me with a serious expression. "Look, mate. I know it's not my place to say this, but you must let go of Samantha. She's moved on, and so should you. Talk to her when she's ready. I don't know when, but you know her of most people. She'll reach out when she's okay."

I felt my heart sink at Daniel's words. I knew he was right, but I couldn't help but feel a sense of loss. As we left the dressing room, I couldn't help but wonder if Samantha had truly moved on. But I knew deep down that it didn't matter anymore. It was time for me to focus on the new season and leave the past behind. Samantha had been a big part of my life, and now she was gone. 

CHAPIE TWOOOOO! SHOULD I INTRODUCE OTHER CHARACTERS NOW THAT YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED BETWEEN THEM? HAHA 

OKAYYY, TILL NEXT TIME ;)

R.